We’re almost a month into 2026 already, and as per usual, there are so many great books coming out this year. In fact, our first library podcast episode of the year was about our anticipated 2026 releases (which you can check out here if you’d like!). We limited ourselves to five books for that, so I’ll include those and some other ones I’m looking forward to!
Though I pretty much exclusively read young adult titles, this year I’m hoping to branch out a bit more into adult fiction. Romance specifically, I think. I read some over the holidays, and you just can’t do a slow burn in a YA book like you can in an adult romance. And man, do I love a good slow burn. Stay tuned as I journey down the romance road this year!
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2026 Anticipated Releases
Heartstopper Volume 6 by Alice Oseman
It should come as no surprise that this is probably my most anticipated book of the year. No matter that I’ve been following the webcomic. It will be bittersweet, though, as Charlie and Nick’s journey comes to an end.
Espíritu by Aiden Thomas
This sequel to Cemetery Boys was supposed to come out last year, so it got pushed back a year. It’s a good excuse for me to revisit Cemetery Boys this year, though!
Hollow Magic by Mars Lauderbaugh
The illlustrator for the Cemetery Boys book cover is the creator of this graphic novel, which I just added to my NetGalley! Can’t wait to review this one in the near-ish future.
We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune
Will I read pretty much anything TJ Klune publishes? Probably. This one sounds like it might be an emotional journey, though.
To Ride a Rising Storm by Moniquill Blackgoose
To Shape a Dragon’s Breath is about a young indigenous woman who is the first in years to hatch a dragon egg. I’m excited to see what happens in this sequel!
Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness
The first in a new trilogy set in the same world as the Chaos Walking books, which I famously used for my Master’s thesis. Another series I’ll probably need to re-read before April!
Just Between Us by Adeline Kon
I saw this when working on my starred book reviews spreadsheet at work the other day, and it sounds right up my alley. Rival figure skaters who fall in love? What isn’t to like!
Forgive-Me-Not by Mari Costa
Another graphic novel! Mari Costa has written a few graphic novels that I love, and her artwork is so fun and interesting. I have this one on NetGalley, so look forward to a review!
Father Material by Alexis Hall
Even though Husband Material wasn’t my favorite, I am looking forward to seeing Luc and Oliver in one last adventure. It will hopefully be good!
The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss
A reality TV show themed mystery thriller! Meyer’s first foray into this genre as well, so I’m hoping that it will live up to the hype.
One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram
I’ve loved Adib Khorram since reading Darius the Great Is Not Okay, so this one will be an automatic read for me once it comes out!
Postscript by Cory McCarthy
Another apocalpyse book, though McCarthy is good at targeting strong emotions. This one seems like it will be emotional, and I am ready for it.
Those are just some of the books I’m looking forward to this year! Let me know in the comments what books you might be looking forward to this year.